bigdayfoto

Where do I start?  No really.  I have no starting spot today.  So I’m subjecting you to my ramblings.  Those that frequent this blog or those that know me personally are likely used to this.  If you’re new here, I’m sorry!

I arrived at the Shadow Lawn Inn in Rothesay a little before 11:00.  I parked my shiny, clean Jeep (that’s important!) on the side of the drive and I  unloaded my gear and proceeded inside.  Beaver met me by the door and I promptly grilled him for every detail.  He just smiled.  Oh yeah,  I’m the details person!  Then he showed me his footwear.  He was wearing sandals.  Um.  Beaver…this is someones wedding.  Perhaps a closed toe shoe might be a little more appropriate? (I suppose I should be thankful they were not flip flops!!)  Seems that there was some issue with the best man’s shoes so Beaver loaned him his shoes.  The only other shoes Beaver had in his truck were his sandals he wears kayaking!  Most people are thought to be kind if they will give you the shirt off their back….well Beaver is the kind of guy to give you the shoes off his feet! 

The guys, our groom Devin and his best man slash brother Ryan arrived shortly there after and Devin’s Mom asked for a picture outside by the black car.  I was somewhat excited by this because as I pulled in I saw a beautiful black Alfa Romeo pull in the lot behind the inn. We went outside, looked around and the only black car was the Sebring by the door.  Ryan piped up that he’d rather have his picture taken by the shiny black Jeep.  I smiled proudly, thankful that I had it washed yesterday and took the guys over to have pictures taken in front of my shiny Jeep.  (Tip number 1 – want to endear  yourself to me, compliment my ride!  Brownie points scored for these guys!)   It was drizzling a bit so I didn’t keep the boys outside for long.  We went back inside and got ready for the ceremony.  The original plan was to have the ceremony outside but the drizzle persisted and turned to rain shortly before go time.  Kudos to the AMAZING staff at the Shadow Lawn Inn as they had everything set up in a matter of minutes to have the event inside.  (My love-in for the Shadow Lawn could go on and on at this point.  I complimented owner Jamie on his venue and staff.  I’ve had two weddings there this year and both experiences were wonderful.  The staff all have smiles on their faces and you never feel that you’re an imposition.  I’m looking forward to the rest of the events we are photographing there as the year goes on!  Oh yeah, and our meal…delicious!!)

We did all the formal portraits inside the inn and then we took Devin and Heather outside for some pictures of just the two of them.  I just love, Love, LOVE a bride that does not let the weather get her down.  She had some stylish boots and a fun umbrella which made for great photographic opportunities.  I believe the umbrella said Merde Il Pleut, which has been my sentiment lately with all this rain we’ve been having!!  After a few images I left the group and Beaver carried on with the bride and groom for a few more pictures. 

It was a great day.  I thank Heather and Devin and their families for having us there on their big day.  We were made to feel very welcome and a part of the festivities.  How fortunate are we that we get to spend our weekends surrounded by so much happiness and love.  I can still hear the laughter and see all the smiles.  We had a great time!  Here are just a few pictures.  I had such a hard time choosing!!  This year I’m doing this a little different.  Just one or two pictures (or in this case 4 – I said I had a hard time!) today and once Heather and Devin receive their DVD of images, I will post a gallery to show the story of their day. 

First off, Heather and Devin AND Ryan on the side steps of the inn.  Ryan was just bringing the flowers to her but then we started egging him on to act like another suitor!  I love how Heather threw her head back and started to laugh.  It was so much fun!

What can I say about this next picture.  Heather, you look GORGEOUS!  And I think Devin agrees!  (And I’d like to thank Beaver for having so many amazing lenses in his camera bag!  I took his 50mm 1.2 lens to shoot some of the portraits.  LOVE IT!!) Stunning, stunning, stunning! Heather was such a natural in front of the camera.  So much to love in this picture!  Beautiful bride!  Beautiful Sandra Miller bouquet.  Beautiful location.  Beautiful bride.  C’mon…that begs repeating, don’t you agree?

And finally shameless plug for my shiny black Jeep.  Oh, and nice shot of the guys too.  Thanks Ryan for liking my ride!  And thanks guys for humouring me and posing for a picture with it!! 

 All the best to Heather and Devin!  Next time you’re in Saint John, give us a call…perhaps a “trash” the dress session??  Safe travels back home and we’ll be in touch soon!